Shloka 19
Dharma–Adharma Marks; Daśāha, Piṇḍa Formation, Śrāddha Calendar, Śayyā-dāna, and Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa Rules
त्रिरात्रे च ततः पूर्णे नदीं गच्छेत् समुद्रगाम् / प्राणायामशतं कृत्वा घृतं प्राश्य विशुध्यति
trirātre ca tataḥ pūrṇe nadīṃ gacchet samudragām / prāṇāyāmaśataṃ kṛtvā ghṛtaṃ prāśya viśudhyati
Setelah genap tiga malam, hendaklah pergi ke sungai yang mengalir ke laut; setelah melakukan seratus kali prāṇāyāma, lalu meneguk ghee, maka seseorang menjadi suci.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: After completion of three nights of aśauca
Concept: Śuddhi after aśauca is effected by tīrtha-contact plus disciplined prāṇāyāma and ritual ingestion (ghṛta-prāśana).
Vedantic Theme: Inner and outer purification: prāṇa-niyama supports sattva; ritual acts align the individual with cosmic order (ṛta/dharma).
Application: After the three-night period, bathe/approach a tīrtha, perform a set count of prāṇāyāmas, then take ghṛta as prescribed by one’s tradition/ācārya.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: river/ghāṭa
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: purification procedures following aśauca (contextual around 2.34)
FAQs
This verse prescribes a timed śuddhi (purification) practice—after three nights—linking bodily discipline (prāṇāyāma), sacred waters (a sea-flowing river), and sattvic intake (ghee) as a means to restore ritual purity for subsequent rites.
In the Preta Kanda context, purification supports the correctness and efficacy of rites performed for the departed; the living performer’s śuddhi is treated as essential for dharmic observances that aid orderly transition and merit.
Maintain purity and discipline before performing ancestral or memorial rites: practice measured breathwork, follow a sattvic regimen, and, where appropriate, use traditional cleansing acts (like bathing in a sacred river) with mindful intent.